When it comes to casino games, slot machines are one of the most popular types around. Despite their vibrant themes, glitzy symbols and high-tech displays, they remain the simplest of all casino games to play. However, beneath all the razzmatazz lies an intricate system of reels, paylines, bonuses and odds. So how do they work? What’s behind those mysterious spinning reels and flashing lights? We take a look at the inner workings of the one-armed bandits to discover how they really work.
A random number generator (RNG) is the brains behind a slot machine. It generates thousands of numbers per second and associates them with different combinations of symbols. During a spin, the machine randomly selects one of these symbols to activate. If the chosen symbol is part of a payline, the player wins. If not, the player loses. The RNG is a vital component of any slot game and, without it, no machine would be able to operate.
Most modern slot machines are computerized and use a different mechanism to generate results. Instead of mechanical parts, they use step motors and digital pulses to move the reels. A computer program then controls the movement of each virtual reel to determine whether it will stop at a blank or pay-out position. This technology allows for 256 symbols on each virtual reel, more than the circumference of any physical reel.
The payouts for a particular slot game are listed in its pay table. These tables tell the player how many coins or credits they will win for a specific combination of symbols and the amount of money they’ve bet. These tables can be found on the face of the machine, above and below the area where the wheels are located. Alternatively, you can find them in the help menu of many video slots.
While many players will be content to play their favorite live casino game, those looking for more variety should consider online slots. Not only do they offer more variety in terms of themes, but they also allow designers to let their imaginations run wild. The result is exciting bonus features like mystery chases through the crime zone in NetEnt’s Cash Noire and outer-space cluster payoffs in ReelPlay’s Cosmic Convoy.
Before playing a slot machine, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the terminology. This will make the process of understanding how the games work much easier. For example, you should understand what a pay table is, as well as what a taste means. A taste refers to the amount of money a machine will pay out in a certain period of time, and is used to keep the player seated and betting. A small amount is paid out regularly to keep the player interested, and only rarely will a machine fail to pay out even its minimum prize over several pulls.